Cybertruck Depreciation: Why Tesla Trade-Ins Are Shocking Owners

If you’re wondering, “How much is my Cybertruck worth for a trade-in?” or “Why are Tesla Cybertruck trade-ins so low?”—you’re not alone. Tesla has finally opened the doors for Cybertruck owners to trade in their high-tech trucks, but the numbers aren’t what most expected. Cybertruck owners looking to offload their futuristic vehicles are facing a harsh reality: depreciation rates as high as 45%. This has sparked widespread discussion in online communities, with questions like “Should I trade in my Cybertruck now?” dominating forums and search engines.

                   Image Credits:David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News / Getty Images

Recent reports from CarGurus indicate that Tesla Cybertruck depreciation is significantly higher than anticipated, with trade-in values plummeting. One owner of a $100,000 AWD 2024 Cybertruck with nearly 20,000 miles was offered just $63,100—a staggering 37% loss. Another, who purchased a $127,000 Cyberbeast in September, received a trade-in offer of $78,200—an eye-watering 38% drop in value after just eight months. These numbers are raising alarms for owners and potential buyers alike.

So why is this happening? For starters, Tesla’s initial policy banned Cybertruck owners from reselling, a move aimed at controlling scalping and protecting the brand. However, this restriction may have also built up a backlog of frustrated owners eager to sell—whether due to dissatisfaction with the vehicle’s quality control (including issues like runaway pedals and falling trim) or growing political and economic concerns tied to Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk. This pent-up demand for resales has now hit the market with a force, creating downward pressure on trade-in prices.

It’s also crucial to understand that trade-in values are always lower than private-party sales—and the EV sector is notorious for steep depreciation. According to Wired, some electric vehicle models lose up to 50% of their value within the first year. Combine that with the premium price tags of Cybertrucks, and you’ve got a perfect storm for resale value erosion. High-mileage models, fluctuating market demand, and Tesla’s evolving brand perception only exacerbate the issue.

For those hoping to maximize their Cybertruck’s trade-in value, experts recommend shopping around for quotes from multiple sources, considering private sales, and monitoring the used EV market closely. Some high-traffic Tesla trade-in calculators and EV depreciation tools now provide instant estimates, helping owners make informed decisions.

As the used EV market expands and competition from new electric trucks—such as the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, and upcoming Chevy Silverado EV—heats up, Cybertruck owners may face even more pressure on trade-in values. Staying ahead of these trends and leveraging tools like vehicle valuation apps and real-time trade-in offers can help reduce potential financial losses.

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